Police cracking down on drunk driving

NAUGATUCK — Naugatuck police are joining a national effort to crackdown on drunk drivers.

During the remainder of May, police will be out in force as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” police said in a press release. The campaign will include high-visibility enforcement, events and is supported by national paid advertising.

Naugatuck police spokesman Lt. Bryan Cammarata said its officers will be aggressively looking for drunk drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving drunk.

“Every year, about one third of all motor vehicle traffic deaths involve one or more drunk drivers or motorcycle operators,” said Cammarata in the release, adding that holidays such as the Memorial Day holiday are particularly dangerous.

The release said research has shown that high-visibility enforcement reduces drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.

“We want to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel drunk is a terrible idea.Unfortunately, not only does drinking impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, it also impairs your judgment and good sense about whether you can, or should drive.If you have any doubt about your sobriety, do not get behind the wheel.If you do chose to drive impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses,” Cammarata said.

As part of the effort, Naugatuck police will be conducting a DUI check point May 24 on South Main Street at the intersection of High Street. The check point will take place from 6:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m.